On November 12, 2025, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners presented grant-funded checks to representatives of four historic sites through the Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program.
Since 1999, the program has helped local nonprofit organizations, along with county and municipal governments in Somerset County, restore, acquire, protect, and preserve 57 historic sites across the county.
"For 26 years, Somerset County's Historic Preservation Grant Program has helped to save and restore over 70 individual buildings, structures, and archaeological resources that tell the rich story of Somerset County," said Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. "All of our historic sites provide an insightful glimpse into Somerset County's history. Without the hard work and support of historic preservationists, these important sites and structures could not survive."
The competitive program enables applicants to apply for funding, which is allocated annually, to help with preservation plans, construction projects, cultural landscape reports, and overall planning. Every restoration project prolongs the lifespan of a historic site, which allows residents to visit and participate in the historical programs, community events, and educational workshops offered by Somerset County. Some initiatives and events, such as the Docent Training Program, Weekend Journey Through the Past, and the upcoming 250th Celebration, rely heavily on these historic sites for public engagement.
The grant program is supported by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, which operates out of the Division of Planning, with funds made available by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and the Somerset County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
In 2025, the following projects were awarded a total of $1,145,982 in grant funds through the program:
Franklin Inn, Somerset – Franklin Inn Van Liew Homestead Association. The Franklin Inn was awarded $237,730 to help with the cost of preparing construction documents, structural repair drawings, an archaeological survey, and all construction-related activities and repairs.
left to right – (front) Josephine Taranto, Preservation Planner for Somerset County's Department of Engineering and Planning; Jane Kiernan, Treasurer of the Franklin Inn - Van Liew Homestead Association; Nancy Hohnstine, Trustee of the Franklin Inn - Van Liew Homestead Association; Barbara ten Broeke, President of the Franklin Inn - Van Liew Homestead Association; Suzanne Ochse, Trustee of the Franklin Inn - Van Liew Homestead Association; Robert Barth, Property Manager. (back) Commissioner Sara Sooy, Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Elizabeth Graner.
Kirch-Ford-Terrill House, Warren – Township of Warren. The Kirch-Ford-Terrill House received $63,350 to complete a historic structures report and to update the home's preservation plan. The plan includes an archaeological investigation, recommendations for restorations, enhanced maintenance guidelines, a hazard assessment plan, and increased accessibility for visitors.
left to right – (front) Josephine Taranto, Preservation Planner for Somerset County's Department of Engineering and Planning; Greg Fitzgerald, Chair of the Warren Township Historic Sites Committee; Lisa Lontai, Mayor of Warren; (back) Commissioner Sara Sooy, Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Elizabeth Graner.
Stillwell – Van Tine House at the Howe Property, Franklin – Somerset County Historical Society. The Stillwell – Van Tine House was granted $442,500 to complete restoration projects that focus on updating the home's kitchenette, wooden floors, carpets, walls, ceilings, interior doors, and both porches. The first-floor interior of the farmhouse will also be restored through the grant.
left to right – (front) Josephine Taranto, Preservation Planner for Somerset County's Department of Engineering and Planning; Frank McGonigle, President of the Somerset County Historical Society; Tom D'Amico, Trustee of the Somerset County Historical Society. (back) Commissioner Sara Sooy, Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Elizabeth Graner.
Vanderveer – Harris House, Hillsborough – Hillsborough Township. The Vanderveer – Harris House received $402,402 to assist with improvements and restoration efforts that include accessibility upgrades, removing hazardous materials from the house, improving utilities, and updating electrical systems. In addition, the installation of a water well tank and an upgraded water treatment system are also planned.
left to right – (front) Josephine Taranto, Preservation Planner for Somerset County's Department of Engineering and Planning; Greg Gillette, Local Historian; John Ciccarelli, Mayor of Hillsborough; Clare Crimando, Senior Director, Bruno Associates, Inc. (back) Commissioner Sara Sooy, Deputy Director Melonie Marano, Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Elizabeth Graner.
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
